2001 TMG Chapter 6

Section 6 Traffic Monitoring Guide
May 1, 2001
Section 6
Traffic Monitoring Data

Formats
May 1, 2001
SECTION 6
TRAFFIC MONITORING DATA FORMATS
Section Page
CHAPTER 1—INTRODUCTION..............................................................................6-1
Traffic Data Records...........................................................................................6-1

Data Submittals to the FHWA.............................................................................6-2
CHAPTER 2—STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMATS................................6-3
CHAPTER 3—TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA FORMATS.......................................6-12
CHAPTER 4—VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA FORMATS......................6-15
CHAPTER 5—TRUCK WEIGHT DATA FORMATS...........................................6-19
TABLES
Table Page
6-2-1 Station Description Record...........................................................................6-4

6-3-1 Hourly Traffic Volume Record (#3 Record)...............................................6-14
6-4-1 Vehicle Classification Record.....................................................................6-18
6-5-1 Truck Weight Record..................................................................................6-20
6-ii
May 1, 2001
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
TRAFFIC DATA RECORDS
This section contains instructions for coding data in the formats requested by the
FHWA. The record formats and coding instructions have been developed to provide
input to national databases maintained by the FHWA. These include the Traffic Volume
Trends (TVT) system and the Vehicle Travel Information System (VTRIS).
The TVT system is used to process the continuous traffic volume data and
produce the monthly Traffic Volume Trends report. The VTRIS is used to process the
vehicle classification and truck weight data collected as part of the annual Truck Weight
Study. Both are microcomputer database management systems that process, validate,
summarize, and maintain traffic data. TVT and VTRIS may be used by anyone with data
in the formats described in this section and can be retrieved from the FHWA website at
http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/tvtw/tvtwpage.htm. The data collection program has been
approved by the Office of Management and Budget, OMB # 2125-0587, and has a
current expiration date of April 30, 2004.
The data records are divided into four types: station description data, traffic
volume data, vehicle classification data, and truck weight data. Each type of data has its
own individualized record format. Specific coding instructions and record layouts are
discussed separately for each type of data in the following chapters.
Note that some fields are labeled “critical.” This means that a record cannot be
processed by TVT or VTRIS without them. All data files described here are ASCII flat
files. For character fields with missing or inapplicable data, enter blanks. Numbers such
as counts should be right-justified and filled with leading blanks or zeros unless noted
otherwise. For numeric fields with missing or inapplicable data, enter blanks or "-1"
right-justified.
Certain data items are common to all four types of records. For example, all
records contain a six-character station identification. This allows States to use a common
identification system for all traffic monitoring stations.
Several fields in the station description record were replaced with fields that are
needed to tie traffic data to geographic information systems (GIS). This will allow traffic
data to be overlaid on the National Highway Planning Network (NHPN) and similar
systems.
6-1
May 1, 2001
DATA SUBMITTALS TO THE FHWA
Copies of continuous traffic volume data collected by permanent ATRs should be

submitted monthly to the FHWA within 20 days after the close of the month for which the
data were collected. The station description record need only be sent annually or when
there is a change. The preferred method of transmission is as an attachment to an e-mail
message sent to “atrdata@fhwa.dot.gov”. Alternatively, diskettes may be mailed to:
Federal Highway Administration

Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division, HPPI-30
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
Attention: Traffic Volume Trends
Annually, each State should submit to the FHWA the vehicle classification and
truck weight data collected at WIM sites. Data for the preceding calendar year should be
submitted by June 15th. More frequent submissions are also acceptable.
If continuous weigh-in-motion data are available, send up to one week of data per
quarter (select any week without a holiday). The data should be addressed as follows:
Federal Highway Administration

Travel Monitoring and Surveys Division, HPPI-30
400 Seventh Street, SW
Washington, D.C. 20590
Attention: Vehicle Travel Information System
All data should be in the record formats described in this section and edited for
reasonableness. If the files are large, it is preferable that a compression program such as
PKZIP be used to condense them. Please provide the name of a contact person and the
telephone number in case further clarification is necessary. For further information,
contact the Travel Monitoring Division and Surveys Division at (202) 366-0175.
6-2
May 1, 2001
CHAPTER 2
STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMATS
The Station Description record format is used for all traffic volume, vehicle
classification, and truck weight monitoring stations. A Station Description file contains
one record for each traffic monitoring station per year. All fields are considered to be
character fields. The optional file naming convention is "ssyy.STA", where ss is state
postal abbreviation and yy is the last two digits of the year. Table 6-2-1 summarizes the
Station Description record.
Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the VTRIS database.
1. Record Type (Column 1) - Critical

S = Station description record
2. FIPS State Codes (Columns 2-3) - Critical

State Code State Code State Code
Alabama 01 Louisiana 22 Ohio 39
Alaska 02 Maine 23 Oklahoma 40
Arizona 04 Maryland 24 Oregon 41
Arkansas 05 Massachusetts 25 Pennsylvania 42
California 06 Michigan 26 Rhode Island 44
Colorado 08 Minnesota 27 South Carolina 45
Connecticut 09 Mississippi 28 South Dakota 46
Delaware 10 Missouri 29 Tennessee 47
D.C. 11 Montana 30 Texas 48
Florida 12 Nebraska 31 Utah 49
Georgia 13 Nevada 32 Vermont 50
Hawaii 15 New Hampshire 33 Virginia 51
Idaho 16 New Jersey 34 Washington 53
Illinois 17 New Mexico 35 West Virginia 54
Indiana 18 New York 36 Wisconsin 55
Iowa 19 North Carolina 37 Wyoming 56
Kansas 20 North Dakota 38 Puerto Rico 72
Kentucky 21
Canadian Provinces may use VTRIS with the following codes (based on the LTPP):
Alberta 81 British Columbia 82 Labrador 93

Manitoba 83 New Brunswick 84 Newfoundland 85
Northwest Ter. 92 Nova Scotia 86 Nunavut 94
Ontario 87 Prince Edward Is. 88 Quebec 89
Saskatchewan 90 Yukon 91
6-3
May 1, 2001
Table 6-2-1: Station Description Record
Field Columns Width Description
1 1 1 Record Type
2 2-3 2 FIPS State Code
3 4-9 6 Station ID
4 10 1 Direction of Travel Code
5 11 1 Lane of Travel
6 12-13 2 Year of Data
7 14-15 2 Functional Classification Code
8 16 1 Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated
9 17 1 Sample Type for Traffic Volume
10 18 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume
11 19 1 Method of Traffic Volume Counting
12 20 1 Sample Type for Vehicle Classification
13 21 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Class.
14 22 1 Method of Vehicle Classification
15 23 1 Algorithm for Vehicle Classification
16 24-25 2 Classification System for Vehicle Classification
17 26 1 Sample Type for Truck Weight
18 27 1 Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight
19 28 1 Method of Truck Weighing
20 29 1 Calibration of Weighing System
21 30 1 Method of Data Retrieval
22 31 1 Type of Sensor
23 32 1 Second Type of Sensor
24 33 1 Primary Purpose - NEW
25 34-45 12 LRS Identification - NEW
26 46-51 6 LRS Location Point - NEW
27 52-59 8 Latitude - NEW
28 60-68 9 Longitude - NEW
29 69-72 4 SHRP Site Identification - NEW
30 73-78 6 Previous Station ID
31 79-80 2 Year Station Established
32 81-82 2 Year Station Discontinued
33 83-85 3 FIPS County Code
34 86 1 HPMS Sample Type
35 87-98 12 HPMS Sample Identifier
36 99 1 National Highway System - NEW
37 100 1 Posted Route Signing
38 101-108 8 Posted Signed Route Number
39 109 1 Concurrent Route Signing
40 110-117 8 Concurrent Signed Route Number
41 118-167 50 Station Location
6-4
May 1, 2001
3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) - Critical
This field should contain an alphanumeric designation for the station where the survey
data are collected. Station identification field entries must be identical in all records for a
given station. Differences in characters, including spaces, blanks, hyphens, etc., prevent
proper match. Right justify the Station ID if it is less than 6 characters. There should be
no embedded blanks.
4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) - Critical
Do not combine directions. There should be a separate record for each direction.
Whether or not lanes are combined in each direction depends on the next field.
Code Direction
1 North
2 Northeast
3 East
4 Southeast
5 South
6 Southwest
7 West
8 Northwest
9 North-South or Northeast-Southwest combined (ATR stations only)
0 East-West or Southeast-Northwest combined (ATR stations only)
5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) - Critical
Either each lane is considered a separate station or all lanes in each direction are
combined.
Code Lane
0 Data with lanes combined
1 Outside (rightmost) lane
2-9 Other lanes
Note: The Station ID, Direction of Travel, and Lane of Travel make up the Station
Code. There should be one Station Description record per Station Code. Stations can be
either by lane or with lanes combined by direction, but not both.
6. Year of Data (Columns 12-13) - Critical
Code the last two digits of the year in which the data were collected.
6-5
May 1, 2001
7. Functional Classification Code (Columns 14-15) - Critical
Code Functional Classification

RURAL
01 Principal Arterial - Interstate
02 Principal Arterial - Other
06 Minor Arterial
07 Major Collector
08 Minor Collector
09 Local System
URBAN
11 Principal Arterial - Interstate
12 Principal Arterial - Other Freeways or Expressways
14 Principal Arterial - Other
16 Minor Arterial
17 Collector
19 Local System
8. Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated (Column 16)
Code the number of lanes in one direction at the site. Use "9" if there are more than eight
lanes.
9. Sample Type for Traffic Volume (Column 17)
T = Station used for Traffic Volume Trends

N = Station not used for Traffic Volume Trends
10. Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume (Column 18)
Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored at this site. Use "9" if there
are more than eight lanes.
11. Method of Traffic Volume Counting (Column 19)
1 = Human observation (manual)

2 = Portable traffic recording device
3 = Permanent automatic traffic recorder (ATR)
12. Sample Type for Vehicle Classification (Column 20)
H = Station used for Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System

N = Station not used for Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System
13. Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Classification (Column 21)
Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for vehicle classification at
this site. Use "9" if there are more than eight lanes.
6-6
May 1, 2001
14. Method of Vehicle Classification (Column 22)
1 = Human observation (manual) vehicle classification
2 = Portable vehicle classification device
3 = Permanent vehicle classification device
15. Algorithm for Vehicle Classification (Column 23)
Code the type of input and processing used to classify vehicles:
A = Human observation on site (manual)

B = Human observation of vehicle image (e.g., video)
C = Automated interpretation of vehicle image or signature (e.g., video, microwave, sonic)
D = Vehicle length classification
E = Axle spacing with ASTM Standard E1572
F = Axle spacing with Scheme F
G = Axle spacing with Scheme F modified
H = Other axle spacing algorithm
K = Axle spacing and weight algorithm
L = Axle spacing and vehicle length algorithm
M = Axle spacing, weight, and vehicle length algorithm
N = Axle spacing and other input(s) not specified above
Z = Other means not specified above
16. Classification System for Vehicle Classification (Columns 24-25)
This indicates the total number of classes in the vehicle classification system. The default
value is 13 which indicates the standard FHWA 13 class system (see Appendix 4-C). The
other vehicle classification systems are based on the HPMS and the Traffic Monitoring
System (TMS) documentation. The value that is used will determine the number of count
fields needed on the Vehicle Classification Record. In the following list the numbers in
parentheses are from the FHWA 13 class system:
1 = One class: total volume
2 = Two classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3) and commercial (classes 4-13) vehicles
3 = Three classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3), single-unit commercial (classes 4-7), combination
commercial (classes 8-13) vehicles
4 = Four classes: non-commercial (classes 1-3), single-unit commercial (classes 4-7), single-trailer
commercial (classes 8-10), multi-trailer commercial (classes 11-13) vehicles
5 = Five classes as follows:
1 of 5 = two-axle, two or four-tire vehicles (classes 1-3)
2 of 5 = buses (class 4)
3 of 5 = single-unit trucks (classes 5-7)
4 of 5 = single-trailer combination trucks (classes 8-10)
5 of 5 = multiple-trailer combination trucks (classes 11-13)
13 = FHWA's standard 13 class system (see Appendix 4-C)
14 = FHWA's 13 class system plus a class 14 (State or vendor defined)
15 = FHWA's 13 class system plus classes 14 and 15 (State or vendor defined)
Other numbers = number of classes (unsupported)
6-7
May 1, 2001
17. Sample Type for Truck Weight (Column 26)
B = Station used for TMG sample and Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP) Long Term
Pavement Performance (LTPP) sample
L = Station used for SHRP/LTPP sample (but not TMG sample)
T = Station used for TMG sample (but not SHRP/LTPP sample)
N = Station not used for any of the above
18. Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight (Column 27)
Code the number of lanes in one direction that are monitored for truck weight at this site.
Use "9" if there are more than eight lanes.
19. Method of Truck Weighing (Column 28)

1 = Portable static scale
2 = Chassis-mounted, towed static scale
3 = Platform or pit static scale
4 = Portable weigh-in-motion system
5 = Permanent weigh-in-motion system
20. Calibration of Weighing System (Column 29)
Code the method used to calibrate the weighing system, e.g., comparing weight-in-
motion and weights from static scales.
A = ASTM Standard E1318
B = Subset of ASTM Standard E1318
C = Combination of test trucks and trucks from the traffic stream (but not ASTM E1318)
D = Other sample of trucks from the traffic stream
M = Moving average of the steering axle of 3S2s
S = Static calibration
T = Test trucks only
U = Uncalibrated
Z = Other method
21. Method of Data Retrieval (Column 30)
1 = Not automated (manual)

2 = Automated (telemetry)
6-8
May 1, 2001
22. Type of Sensor (Column 31)
Code the type of sensor used for traffic detection.
A = Automatic vehicle identification (AVI)

B = Bending plate
C = Capacitance strip
D = Capacitance mat/pad
E = Hydraulic load cells
F = Fiber optic - NEW
G = Strain gauge on bridge beam
H = Human observation (manual)
I = Infrared
K = Laser/lidar
L = Inductance loop
M = Magnetometer
P = Piezoelectric
Q = Quartz piezoelectric - NEW
R = Road tube
S = Sonic/acoustic
T = Tape switch
U = Ultrasonic
V = Video image
W = Microwave
X = Radio wave
Z = Other
23. Second Type of Sensor (Column 32)
If there are two types of sensors at the station, code the second using the same codes as
Type of Sensor. Otherwise, code "N" for none.
24. Primary Purpose (Column 33) - NEW
This field indicates the primary purpose for installing the station and hence which
organization is responsible for it and supplies the data.
E = Enforcement purposes (e.g., speed or weight enforcement)
I = Operations purposes in support of ITS initiatives
L = Load data for pavement design or pavement management purposes
O = Operations purposes but not ITS
P = Planning or traffic statistics purposes
R = Research purposes (e.g., LTPP)
25. LRS Identification (Columns 34-45) - NEW
The LRS Identification reported in this item for the station must be the same as the LRS
identification reported in the HPMS for the section of roadway where the station is
located. The LRS identification is a 12-character, right justified value. The LRS ID can
be alphanumeric, but must not contain blanks; leading zeros must be coded. More
information concerning the LRS may be found in Chapter V of the HPMS Field Manual,
Linear Referencing System Requirements.
6-9
May 1, 2001
26. LRS Location Point (Columns 46-51) - NEW
This is the LRS location point for the station. It is similar information to the LRS
Beginning Point and LRS Ending Point in the HPMS. The KMPT for the station must be
within the range of the LRS beginning point and LRS ending point for the roadway
section upon which the station is located. It is coded in kilometers with an implied
decimal in the middle: XXX.XXX.
27. Latitude (Columns 5259) NEW
This is the latitude of the station location with the north hemisphere assumed and decimal
place understood as XX.XXX XXX.
28. Longitude (Columns 60-68) - NEW
This is the longitude of the station location with the west hemisphere assumed and
decimal place understood as XXX.XXX XXX.
29. SHRP Site Identification (Columns 69-72) - NEW
If the site is used in the SHRP/LTPP sample, give the SHRP site ID.
30. Previous Station ID (Columns 73-78)
If the station replaces another station, give the station ID that was used previously.
31. Year Station Established (Columns 79-80)
Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.
32. Year Station Discontinued (Columns 81-82)
Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.
33. FIPS County Code (Columns 83-85)
Use the three-digit FIPS county code (see Federal Information Processing Standards
Publication 6, "Counties of the States of the United States").
34. HPMS Sample Type (Column 86)
N = No, not on an HPMS standard sample section

Y = Yes, on an HPMS standard sample section
35. HPMS Sample Identifier (Columns 87-98)
6-10
May 1, 2001
If the station is on an HPMS standard sample section, code the HPMS Sample Identifier
per the HPMS Field Manual (Item 47).
36. National Highway System (Column 66) - NEW
N = No, not on National Highway System

Y = Yes, on National Highway System
37. Posted Route Signing (Column 100)
This is the same as Route Signing in HPMS Field Manual (Item 22).
Code Description Code Description
0 Not signed 5 County
1 Interstate 6 Township
2 U.S. 7 Municipal
3 State 8 Parkway or Forest Route Marker
4 Off-Interstate Business Marker 9 None of the above
38. Posted Signed Route Number (Columns 101-108)
Code the route number of the principal route on which the station is located. If the
station is located on a city street, zero-fill this field. This is the same as Signed Route
Number in HPMS Field Manual (Item 24).
39. Concurrent Route Signing (Column 109)
Code same as Posted Route Signing for concurrent route if there is one.
40. Concurrent Signed Route Number (Columns 110-117)
Code same as Posted Signed Route Number for concurrent route if there is one.
41. Station Location (Columns 118-167)
For stations located on a numbered route, enter the distance and direction of the station
from the nearest major intersecting route or state border or landmark on state road maps.
If the station is located on a city street, enter the city and street name. Abbreviate if
necessary. Left justify.
6-11
May 1, 2001
CHAPTER 3
TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA FORMATS
The Traffic Volume file contains one record for each day of traffic monitoring.
All numeric fields should be right-justified and zero-filled. Table 6-3-1 summarizes the
Hourly Traffic Volume record. The fields are as follows:
3 = Traffic volume record
2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
3. Functional Classification Code (Columns 4-5) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
4. Station Identification (Columns 6-11) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
This should be right-justified and zero-filled. - Critical
5. Direction of Travel Code (Column 12) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
6. Lane of Travel (Column 13) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
The code for combined lanes (0) is preferred.
7. Year of Data (Columns 14-15) - See chapter 6-2. - Critical
8. Month of Data (Columns 16-17) - Critical
01 = January
02 = February
03 = March
04 = April
05 = May
06 = June
07 = July
08 = August
09 = September
10 = October
11 = November
12 = December
9. Day of Data (Columns 18-19) - Critical
Code the day of the month of data, 01-31. Must correspond to the month of data.
6-12
May 1, 2001
10. Day of Week (Column 20) - Optional

1 = Sunday
2 = Monday
3 = Tuesday
4 = Wednesday
5 = Thursday
6 = Friday
7 = Saturday
11-34. Traffic Volume Counted Fields (Columns 21-25, ..., 136-140)
Enter the traffic volume counted during the hour covered. If the data are missing, code a
-1 or blanks.
Field Hour Covered
11 00:01 am to 01:00 am
12 01:01 am to 02:00 am
. .
. .
. .
34 11:01 pm to 12:00 midnight
35. Restrictions (Column 141)
0 = no restrictions
1 = construction or other activity affected traffic flow
2 = traffic counting device problem (e.g., malfunction or overflow) - NEW
6-13
May 1, 2001
Table 6-3-1: Hourly Traffic Volume Record (#3 Record)
Field Columns Length Description
1 1 1 Record Type
3 4-5 2 Functional Classification
4 6-11 6 Station Identification
5 12 1 Direction of Travel
8 16-17 2 Month of Data
9 18-19 2 Day of Data
10 20 1 Day of Week
11 21-25 5 Traffic Volume Counted, 00:01 - 01:00
35 141 1 Restrictions
6-14
May 1, 2001
CHAPTER 4
VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA FORMATS
The Vehicle Classification file contains one record for each hour with the traffic
volume by vehicle class. The optional file naming convention is "ssyy.CLA", where ss is
state postal abbreviation and yy is the last two digits of the year. Table 6-4-1 summarizes
the Vehicle Classification record.
Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the VTRIS data base.
C = Vehicle classification record
2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
Code. There should be one Station Description record per Station Code.
6. Year of Data (Columns 12-13) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
7. Month of Data (Columns 14-15) - Critical - See chapter 6-3.
8. Day of Data (Columns 16-17) - Critical - See chapter 6-3.
9. Hour of Data (Columns 18-19) - Critical
Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:
00 = 0:01 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
01 = 1:01 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
.
.
.
22 = 10:01 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
23 = 11:01 p.m. to Midnight
10. Total Hourly Volume (Columns 20-24)
This numeric field is the total traffic volume for the hour. The total volume is needed
because some vehicles might not be classified, in which case the sum of the class counts
6-15
May 1, 2001
would not equal the total volume. If the total volume is not collected, leave this field
blank or put “-1" (for missing data).
The following class count fields are numeric fields with the traffic volume by vehicle
class for each hour of data. Field number 16 in the Station Description Record,
"Classification System for Vehicle Classification," determines the number of classes
expected from the station. The default classification system is the FHWA 13 class system
(see Appendix 4-C).
These counts should be checked for reasonableness. For example, Class 13 should not
be larger than 99. VTRIS allows users to set a limit for each class count
11. Class 1 Count (Columns 25-29) - Optional
Class 1 is for Motorcycles, which is an optional class. If motorcycles are not counted,
enter "-1" or blanks in the Class 1 field.
12. Class 2 Count (Columns 30-34) - Critical
Class 2 is for Passenger Cars.
Class 3 is for Other Two-Axle, Four-Tire, Single-Unit Vehicles. However, classes 2 and
3 may be combined, in which case the total for both classes should be entered in the class
2 field and "-1" or blanks in the Class 3 field.
Class 4 is for Buses.
Class 5 is for Two-Axle, Six-Tire, Single-Unit Trucks.
Class 6 is for Three-Axle, Single-Unit Trucks.
Class 7 is for Four-or-More Axle, Single-Unit Trucks.
Class 8 is for Four-or-Less Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.
6-16
May 1, 2001
Class 9 is for Five-Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.
Class 10 is for Six-or-More Axle, Single-Trailer Trucks.
Class 11 is for Five-or-Less Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.
Class 12 is for Six-Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.
Class 13 is for Seven-or-More Axle, Multi-Trailer Trucks.
The Vehicle Classification record may be ended here if exactly 13 classes are used.
However, some automatic vehicle classification systems have one or two more classes
usually designating "Unclassified" or "Unclassifiable" vehicles. If Class 14 and/or Class
15 are included such that the total of all the classes equals the total volume, then the
Total Volume field may be left blank.
If a Class 14 is used, enter the count for the hour here.
If a Class 15 is used, enter the count for the hour here.
6-17
May 1, 2001
Table 6-4-1: Vehicle Classification Record
1 1 1 Record Type
3 4-9 6 Station ID
9 18-19 2 Hour of Data
10 20-24 5 Total Volume
11 25-29 5 Class 1 Count
End the record here if the FHWA 13 class system is being used.
24 90-94 5 Class 14 Count (optional)

25 95-99 5 Class 15 Count (optional)
6-18
May 1, 2001
CHAPTER 5
TRUCK WEIGHT DATA FORMATS
The Truck Weight file contains one record for each truck with its axle weights and
axle spacings. The optional file naming convention is "ssyy.WGT", where ss is the state
postal abbreviation and yy is the last two digits of the year. Table 6-5-1 summarizes the
Truck Weight record.
Fields designated as Critical are required for entry into the VTRIS database.
W = Truck weight record
2. FIPS State Code (Columns 2-3) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
Code. There should be one Station Description record per Station Code.
6. Year of Data (Columns 12-13) - Critical - See chapter 6-2.
7. Month of Data (Columns 14-15) - Critical - See chapter 6-3.
8. Day of Data (Columns 16-17) - Critical - See chapter 6-3.
9. Hour of Data (Columns 18-19) - Critical
Code the beginning of the hour in which the count was taken:
00 = 0:01 a.m. to 1:00 a.m.
01 = 1:01 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
.
.
.
22 = 10:01 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
23 = 11:01 p.m. to Midnight
6-19
May 1, 2001
Table 651: Truck Weight Record
1 1 1 Record Type
3 4-9 6 Station ID
9 18-19 2 Hour of Data
10 20-21 2 Vehicle Class
11 22-24 3 Open
12 25-28 4 Total Weight of Vehicle
13 29-30 2 Number of Axles
14 31-33 3 A-axle Weight
15 34-36 3 A-B Axle Spacing
16 37-39 3 B-axle Weight
17 40-42 3 B-C Axle Spacing
18 43-45 3 C-axle Weight
19 46-48 3 C-D Axle Spacing
20 49-51 3 D-axle Weight
21 52-54 3 D-E Axle Spacing
22 55-57 3 E-axle Weight
23 58-60 3 E-F Axle Spacing
24 61-63 3 F-axle Weight
25 64-66 3 F-G Axle Spacing
26 67-69 3 G-axle Weight
27 70-72 3 G-H Axle Spacing
28 73-75 3 H-axle Weight
29 76-78 3 H-I Axle Spacing
30 79-81 3 I-axle Weight
31 82-84 3 I-J Axle Spacing
32 85-87 3 J-axle Weight
33 88-90 3 J-K Axle Spacing
34 91-93 3 K-axle Weight
35 94-96 3 K-L Axle Spacing
36 97-99 3 L-axle Weight
37 100-102 3 L-M Axle Spacing
38 103-105 3 M-axle Weight
Note: The number of axles determines the number of axle weight and spacing fields.
6-20
May 1, 2001
10. Vehicle Class (Columns 20-21) - Critical
Enter the class of the vehicle from FHWA Vehicle Classes 1 to 13. Classes 1 - 3 are
ordinarily omitted.
A dummy vehicle class of 1 indicates that weight data for this hour are missing. A
dummy vehicle class of 0 indicates that weight data for this hour are not missing, and
thus if there are no Truck Weight records for the hour, then there were no trucks during
that hour. Without these indications, no Truck Weight records for an hour might be
interpreted to mean that the WIM system was not working.
11. Open (Columns 22-24) - Optional
This field is for special studies or State use such as for vehicle speed (kilometers per
hour) or pavement temperature (degrees Celsius in the range -99 to +99).
12. Total Weight of Vehicle (Columns 25-28)
Enter the gross vehicle weight to the nearest tenth of a metric ton (100 kilograms)
without a decimal point. This should equal the sum of all the axle weights except for
rounding.
13. Number of Axles (Columns 29-30)
Enter the total number of axles in use by the vehicle (including any trailers).
The Number of Axles determines how many Axle Weight and Spacing fields will be
expected. Axle Weight and Spacing fields that are not needed may be omitted. If a fixed-
length record is desired, pad the record with blanks to the desired length.
The rest of the record alternates between axle weights and axle spacings, starting from
the front of the vehicle. Axle weights are to the nearest tenth of a metric ton (100
kilograms) without a decimal point. Axle spacings are to the nearest tenth of a meter
(100 millimeters) without a decimal point.
Reasonableness checks should be performed on the axle weights and spacings. The

default limits in VTRIS are 200 to 20,000 kilograms for axle weights and 0.5 to 15 meters
for axle spacings. The user may adjust these values.
14. A-axle Weight (Columns 31-33)
15. A-B Axle Spacing (Columns 34-36)
16. B-axle Weight (Columns 37-39)
17. B-C Axle Spacing (Columns 40-42)
6-21
May 1, 2001
18. C-axle Weight (Columns 43-45)
19. C-D Axle Spacing (Columns 46-48)
20. D-axle Weight (Columns 49-51)
21. D-E Axle Spacing (Columns 52-54)
22. E-axle Weight (Columns 55-57)
23. E-F Axle Spacing (Columns 58-60)
24. F-axle Weight (Columns 61-63)
25. F-G Axle Spacing (Columns 64-66)
26. G-axle Weight (Columns 67-69)
27. G-H Axle Spacing (Columns 70-72)
28. H-axle Weight (Columns 73-75)
29. H-I Axle Spacing (Columns 76-78)
30. I-axle Spacing (Columns 79-81)
31. I-J Axle Spacing (Columns 82-84)
32. J-axle Weight (Columns 85-87)
33. J-K Axle Spacing (Columns 88-90)
34. K-axle Weight (Columns 91-93)
35. K-L Axle Spacing (Columns 94-96)
36. L-axle Weight (Columns 97-99)
37. L-M Axle Spacing (Columns 100-102)
38. M-axle Weight (Columns 103-105)
Additional axle spacing and axle weight fields may be added in the same manner if
needed.
6-22

2001 TMG Chapter 6

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2001 TMG Chapter 6

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Section 6 Traffic Monitoring Guide

Traffic Monitoring Data

Traffic Data Records...........................................................................................6-1

CHAPTER 2—STATION DESCRIPTION DATA FORMATS................................6-3

CHAPTER 3—TRAFFIC VOLUME DATA FORMATS.......................................6-12

CHAPTER 4—VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION DATA FORMATS......................6-15

CHAPTER 5—TRUCK WEIGHT DATA FORMATS...........................................6-19

6-2-1 Station Description Record...........................................................................6-4

TRAFFIC DATA RECORDS

DATA SUBMITTALS TO THE FHWA

Copies of continuous traffic volume data collected by permanent ATRs should be

Federal Highway Administration

Federal Highway Administration

1. Record Type (Column 1) - Critical

2. FIPS State Codes (Columns 2-3) - Critical

Alberta 81 British Columbia 82 Labrador 93

Table 6-2-1: Station Description Record

Field Columns Width Description

3. Station Identification (Columns 4-9) - Critical

4. Direction of Travel Code (Column 10) - Critical

5. Lane of Travel (Column 11) - Critical

6. Year of Data (Columns 12-13) - Critical

7. Functional Classification Code (Columns 14-15) - Critical

Code Functional Classification

8. Number of Lanes in Direction Indicated (Column 16)

9. Sample Type for Traffic Volume (Column 17)

T = Station used for Traffic Volume Trends

10. Number of Lanes Monitored for Traffic Volume (Column 18)

11. Method of Traffic Volume Counting (Column 19)

1 = Human observation (manual)

12. Sample Type for Vehicle Classification (Column 20)

H = Station used for Heavy Vehicle Travel Information System

13. Number of Lanes Monitored for Vehicle Classification (Column 21)

14. Method of Vehicle Classification (Column 22)

15. Algorithm for Vehicle Classification (Column 23)

Code the type of input and processing used to classify vehicles:

A = Human observation on site (manual)

16. Classification System for Vehicle Classification (Columns 24-25)

17. Sample Type for Truck Weight (Column 26)

18. Number of Lanes Monitored for Truck Weight (Column 27)

19. Method of Truck Weighing (Column 28)

20. Calibration of Weighing System (Column 29)

21. Method of Data Retrieval (Column 30)

1 = Not automated (manual)

22. Type of Sensor (Column 31)

Code the type of sensor used for traffic detection.

A = Automatic vehicle identification (AVI)

23. Second Type of Sensor (Column 32)

24. Primary Purpose (Column 33) - NEW

25. LRS Identification (Columns 34-45) - NEW

26. LRS Location Point (Columns 46-51) - NEW

28. Longitude (Columns 60-68) - NEW

29. SHRP Site Identification (Columns 69-72) - NEW

30. Previous Station ID (Columns 73-78)

31. Year Station Established (Columns 79-80)

Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.

32. Year Station Discontinued (Columns 81-82)

Code the last two digits of the appropriate year if known.

33. FIPS County Code (Columns 83-85)

34. HPMS Sample Type (Column 86)

N = No, not on an HPMS standard sample section

35. HPMS Sample Identifier (Columns 87-98)

36. National Highway System (Column 66) - NEW

N = No, not on National Highway System